Unique Application of Hafnium in High-Tech and Nuclear Energy
The rare and versatile element Hafnium plays a crucial role in various advanced technologies. Hafnium is primarily used in the nuclear sector and aerospace due to its high corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures, but especially because of its capability to absorb neutrons. In this article, we describe the origin of Hafnium and explore its various applications.
THE USE OF HAFNIUM
Hafnium is a special metal, not so much for its appearance but mainly for the applications it is used in. It is not only highly resistant to corrosion and high temperatures, but its most remarkable property is its ability to absorb neutrons. This is due to the nature of its atomic nucleus and the types of isotopes that form after neutron capture. Unlike many other materials, the transformation caused by neutron capture generally leads to stable or only slightly radioactive isotopes with no long half-life or minimal radioactivity.
This unique property is, of course, very valuable in nuclear technology. Hafnium is therefore used in control rods that make it possible to manage a nuclear reaction, but also as neutron-absorbing material in other parts of the reactor or in storage and transport containers. Hafnium is also widely used in the nuclear propulsion systems of submarines and ships.
Other applications of Hafnium:
- Components in lighting technology
- As an alloying element in superalloys
- Hard coatings
- Optical coatings
- Plasma cutters
Metel supplies Hafnium not only in various forms and sizes, but it is also part of various alloys in our program. Are you interested in purchasing Hafnium? Then contact us at 0416 – 724 800 or email n.kesteloo@metel.nl.
THE DISCOVERY OF HAFNIUM
Hafnium, also known as Hf 72, is a heavy, silvery-gray transition metal that closely resembles Zirconium. This element was discovered in 1923 in Copenhagen by two scientists, Dirk Coster and George Charles. The name “Hafnium” is derived from “Hafnia,” the Latin name for Copenhagen, as a tribute to the city where it was discovered. This discovery took place in a piece of zirconium ore during their work with X-ray spectroscopy. The identification of this metal was a significant milestone for both the chemical and quantum mechanics industries, due to its excellent ability to absorb neutrons.
PROPERTIES OF HAFNIUM
The element Hafnium is distinguished by its exceptional properties and its rarity on Earth. It is mainly found in countries such as Brazil, Norway, and Australia, where it is embedded in minerals like Zirconium. The “ideal” form of Hafnium varies depending on its use and application; however, Hafnium carbide (HfC), known for its exceptionally high melting point and hardness, is considered the most valuable form for industrial use. This alloy is primarily used in aerospace and in technologies that operate under extreme conditions. This unique combination of properties makes Hafnium an essential element in both the nuclear industry and the development of future technologies.
WORKABILITY
Hafnium is relatively difficult to work with due to its physical properties, such as its high melting point and its tendency to be brittle at lower temperatures. Fortunately, Hafnium can be effectively machined using the right techniques and tools. Methods such as wire EDM, water jet cutting, or tooling and coolants that can withstand hardness and wear are used to work with Hafnium. Additionally, Hafnium is relatively reactive at higher temperatures and can react with oxygen and nitrogen in the air. A protective atmosphere or even a vacuum is therefore required to maintain the integrity of Hafnium during certain machining processes.
Would you like to learn more about Metel’s services or the delivery times for Hafnium? Contact us at 0416 – 724 800 or email n.kesteloo@metel.nl.